What does informal social control refer to?

Informal social control refers to the non-official influences that uphold social norms within a community. It encompasses the unwritten rules and expectations that guide behavior among individuals in a society, such as peer pressure, family expectations, and societal norms. These forms of social control are typically exercised through thought processes and interpersonal interactions rather than through formal institutions or laws.

For instance, when friends or family members encourage certain behaviors—like studying hard or behaving respectfully—these interactions serve to reinforce societal norms without any legal or formal oversight. This type of control is crucial because it helps maintain order and promote conformity in everyday life, often influencing individuals' actions more effectively than formal regulations can.

The other options highlight forms of control that are formalized and enforced by authorities, which are distinct from the subtle, everyday mechanisms that characterize informal social control.